What is Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a compound found in small amounts in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Delta-8 is colloquially referred to as the cousin compound to Delta-9 THC that is found in the marijuana plant and, in lower amounts, the hemp plant. Delta-9 THC is famous for its psychoactive effects that cause the “high” that most people associate with the cannabis plant. While the two compounds are nearly identical in structure, the Delta-8 compound is said to produce a much more mild effect that many find pleasing.
As the New York Times stated, “some claim it’s [Delta-8] the next big thing in cannabis: a gentler and, perhaps more crucially, legal high that offers relaxation and pain relief without the anxiety or fuzzy-headedness of regular weed.”
When discussing the legality of these substances, it is important to note how each is derived. While some states allow the sale of marijuana, the federal government does not. On the other hand, products produced from the hemp plant are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Products containing Delta-8 derived from the hemp plant fall under this legal umbrella. However, some states have banned the use of Delta-8 products, and you should check with your local and state legalities before purchase or use.
Although Delta-8 is derived from a plant and its side effects are reportedly milder than Delta-9, buyers should consult his or her physician before use and should stop the use immediately if negative side effects occur.
In addition to Delta-8 and Delta-9 having a near identical chemical structure, they both act similarly in the human body. The two compounds actually bind to the same receptors in the brain known as the cannabinoid type 1 receptor, also known as the CB1 receptor. While this receptor is responsible for the “high” found when using Delta-9, research suggests that Delta-8 has a slightly weaker attachment to these receptors. This could be the reason behind users finding Delta-8 products more pleasant compared to the Delta-9 variety.
“A survey of delta-8 users backs this up, with respondents reporting feeling less paranoid, less anxious and having a “nicer” high compared with delta-9-THC. The most common experiences when using delta-8 were relaxation, euphoria and pain relief.” (Pubmed - See Full Article Here)
Like most health supplements, Delta-8 products are not regulated by the FDA. As a result, the burden of smart shopping is on the consumer. While there is a large variety of Delta-8 products on the market, it is best to do your research on the company and thoroughly read the product’s certificate of analysis, also known as a COA. An example of a Delta-8 vaporizer COA can be found here at our website TruestYou.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog and educating yourself on this topic. If you would like to try a Delta-8 product from a reputable company, we at TruestYou offer new customers their first Delta-8 product for free. To try our Delta-8 THC vaporizer, use code “BLOG” at checkout or use the following link to have the discount code automatically applied at checkout: https://truestyou.com/
Written by:
Dr. Nicholas Britt
TruestYou Owner